Former Puerto Rican boxer Félix Verdejo has been sentenced to two life terms after being found guilty of brutally murdering his pregnant lover, Keishla Rodríguez. The sentencing took place on Friday, with emotional speeches delivered by Rodríguez’s family. Verdejo had previously been convicted in July of kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of an unborn child. Despite the verdict, his attorney announced plans to appeal the sentence.
The outcome of the trial was met with celebration across Puerto Rico, as many saw it as a powerful message against crime. Puerto Rico Police Commissioner Antonio López stated, “This sentence should serve as a lesson for others. It doesn’t matter how much fame, money or power you think you have. If you break the law, you will have to respond.”
During the trial, Verdejo’s friend, Luis Antonio Cádiz, who was also implicated in the case, testified that the former boxer had exerted pressure on Rodríguez to have an abortion. Cádiz further revealed that on the day of the murder, Verdejo punched Rodríguez and injected her with a toxic substance. They then tied her limbs to a cement block and threw her off a busy bridge into a lagoon in broad daylight. Cádiz later made an anonymous call to 911, providing the location of Rodríguez’s body.
An autopsy confirmed the presence of fentanyl and xylazine, a sedative used for animals, including horses, in Rodríguez’s system.
The shocking nature of the crime has reverberated throughout Puerto Rico, prompting calls for enhanced protection for victims of domestic violence.
Verdejo had participated in the 2012 Olympics and began his professional boxing career the same year. He retired with a record of 27 wins, 2 losses, and 17 knockouts in the lightweight division.
